Video Surveillance is an integral part of modern security systems, found in premises ranging from airports to shopping malls, corporate buildings to train stations. It proves a great deterrent to malicious behavior and an excellent tool in solving the mystery of past misdemeanors.

In this digital world, security has also embraced the advantages of instant access to images stored and retrieved on computers. Mentorworld Synergy offers a diverse portfolio of products, and a suite of features, that can enhance the ability to securely and reliably transport security video footage across an IP network. IPTV surveillance systems generally involve a number of devices — IP cameras, servers, and clients — and involve multicast technology to deliver video streams to every intended recipient.

Following are a variety of reference designs for Mentorworld Synergy-based network solutions that support IP video surveillance. The smaller installations are based on Layer 2 switching technology, while the larger scenarios include options for a Layer 3 routed environment.

The pure Layer 2 approach is preferable in small to medium installations, due to simplified network configuration and maintenance. It does not require a complex multicast architecture involving multicast routing protocols. However in larger systems, it is likely that the video data will be transported in an environment divided into separate IP subnets, in order to enable scalability and provide a network that is both robust and easily managed.

In a Point of Sale (POS) and security camera installation with a limited number of cameras, a single or small group of Mentorworld Synergy WebSmart Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches is an ideal solution because of its simplified network configuration and maintenance requirements.

Example Scenario

The retail store is a single unit within a strip mall. To prevent shoplifting and employee theft/fraud, the owner installs a surveillance system. This improves employee and customer safety as well as deters shoplifting. This type of project requires multiple cameras due to the layout of the store. Most of the cameras are installed inside the store, with a few cameras installed outside to monitor the front and rear entrance. The physical layout of this site is small, so all of the cameras are connected to a single switch.

The security network uses existing Internet connectivity, but must be kept separate from the POS system installed in the store — a requirement of the POS vendor that provides support for that system.

Reference Solution

The diagram shows the AT-GS950/16PS WebSmart switch connected to 10-12 surveillance cameras, using standard CAT5e copper cable operating at 1000Mbps. A computer is connected to the switch via a Gigabit Ethernet connection on the uplink port of the switch that provides monitoring capability on all cameras connected to the switch. A Windows 2008 Server is connected to the switch, using a Gigabit Ethernet connection on the uplink port of the switch. Recorded video is stored on a hard drive that can be viewed on the computer. The switch can simultaneously power cameras, cash registers, VoIP phones and barcode scanners. An Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) is connected to the switch, providing continuous power in case of a power failure in the retail store

Other Potential Uses for this Architecture

In medium-sized IP Surveillance networks, or a LAN, the video surveillance system is typically distributed with one or more switches in each location connected together.

Example Scenario

A corporate building spans multiple offices across an area. which requires a reliable, secure, scalable and easy-to-configure network. It requires IP cameras on a high performance, reliable converged Ethernet/IP service network. Video is isolated from voice (VoIP) as well as employee administration data traffic, but all services use the same physical, high performance, reliable Ethernet network. This saves initial capital and reduces the costs of maintaining and supporting multiple physical networks.

Each office desk requires an IP phone as well as network ports for a PC and networked printer. In addition, there are IP phones and many LAN ports throughout the building. A camera is placed in every entrance as well as several in key hallways, the parking lot, cafeteria and other public places.

To ensure the protection of data, it is important to control access to the network. Protocols such as IEEE 802.1x port-based authentication guarantee that only known users are connected to the network. Unknown users who physically connect can be isolated to a pre-determined part of the network, offering guests such benefits as Internet access while ensuring the integrity of private network data.

Reference Solution

The diagram shows the x610 Series at the core of the network and 8000S Series switches at the access edge, providing PoE to surveillance cameras throughout larger schools and retail stores. Alternatively, x510 PoE models could be used on the edge, providing even more PoE power (PoE+) and resilience, or as a cost-effective solution instead of the x610 Series.

Other Potential Uses for this Architecture

In large IP Surveillance networks, or a metro-area network, the video surveillance system is typically overlaid on an infrastructure that has been designed to carry multiple applications and services. Such a network, supporting a significant number of end-users, needs to be very reliable, manageable and scalable. These requirements are best met by a network design in which different services are partitioned into separate VLANs and transported over resilient rings that are protected by an extremely fast failover mechanism.

Example Scenario

A large Town Center shopping and entertainment district spans multiple buildings, spread across a campus that requires a highly resilient, reliable, secure and high performance network. A campus consisting of four buildings would require 12-16 cameras on each floor of a typical four-story building. Many cameras would be installed inside buildings, with some installed outside to monitor the entrances. The physical layout of this site would be large, so cameras on each floor would be connected to switches located on each floor. Every switch on each floor would be connected to another switch, creating a stackable solution that can be managed by a single IP address. These Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) switches would be connected to a modular Layer 3 switch, providing a highly resilient, secure and easy-to-manage network.

Reference Solution

The diagram shows the SwitchBlade x908 at the core of the network and x510 Series switches at the access edge providing PoE+ to surveillance cameras on each floor across the campus.